Aug 8, 2009




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Aug 7, 2009

Dear Parker,

I cannot wrap my head around the idea that you've been a part of my life for 10 years, which seems impossible. Wasn't it just yesterday that they, the scary doctors from K-Falls cut you out of my womb and rushed you into the NICU? Lifeless, breathless and blue you came into this world and no one would guess that today when they look at the fullness of life that is contained in your eyes.

I come back to that memory of you often, when we were finally both well enough to be together, your right arm extended toward my face, the two of us meeting for the first time. You were so perfect!

Parker, OMG your 10!!! Ten years old!! My sweet baby boy has become a long and lean preteen…

You have become completely self-sufficient, there came a point in the last year when I felt like I was home free, like well, he can dress himself, pour his own cereal and read instructions, what's left for me to do? And now that you've grasped Wikipedia, do you really need me, an aging and out-of-touch busy body trying to guide you through life? Ok, that possibly is an exaggeration, but gosh you could ask me for help once in awhile just to make me feel like a good mom.

Your 10, for heaven’s sake you even have b.o.! This was brought to my attention last week and caused a two day crying spell about you becoming a real boy, a little man. I know you think I’m ridiculous and silly, but someday when you have kids of your own I think you will understand. In the blink of an eye you changed from a tiny baby into a young man who already wears the same shoe size as I do! Time flew by Parker, but I have so enjoyed watching you grow, learn, love and overcome adversity.

Your artistic abilities are truly outstanding. The paintings you create are beautiful and your drawings contain such great detail. You are a designer, builder, constructor extraordinaire! Your ability to build something grand out of nothing is an awesome talent. Your livelihood and character are a huge part of what people see about you. You’re rambunctious and full of energy, always on the go, always on a mission to complete something new!

Parker, I want to thank you for being a great big brother. I know it’s not always easy and lot of time it’s just downright frustrating to you. I hope that through being the oldest you will glen great qualities such as being a leader, that you will take pride in being an example, and value your place in being the man of our house. I appreciate you and all that you do around here big guy! I appreciate your love and loyalty to your brother and how you tell him a bed time story each night, I appreciate that you aren’t too cool to play with your sister, even if that means playing with her dollhouse.

Ten years old!! Wow! Mr. P I sure do love you with all of my heart. Today I’m in awe of you… I love your blond curls and bright blue eyes. I love that you can roll your eyes in crazy directions. I love how you get my sarcasm, shake your head and say, "Mom, you're just joking." I love how your proud of the fact that you gave me my stretch marks and that you are the one who made me a mom.

I adore how you still sleep with the baby blanket I made you tucked into the side of your bed. I enjoy watching you attempt crazy tricks on your bike and jumping like a mad man on the trampoline. I dig your guitar playin and watching you belt out your favorite song in the car. Oh son, your laugh, just so you know is the best; it brings great joy to my heart when I see you filled with laughter.

You have changed so much since that first day when I met you, a day that altered my life so drastically that sometimes it still feels like I'm catching my breath. I imagine that I won't ever stop feeling this way, won't ever stop having a portion of my brain dedicated to the thought of where you are and what you're doing, won't ever be able to escape the constant, nagging hope that you are happy and fulfilled.

Happy Tenth Birthday Parker, you rock my world bud! Thanks for making me a mom. I hope I’m doing a good job, God knows I try my hardest. I’m so blessed to have you as a son and I so look forward to our next 10 years together!!

Love you bud,
Mom

Aug 3, 2009

Beauty and Brains!


This is my dear friend Melanie, she is not only beautiful but very intelligent and she has a lot of talent to share with this big 'ol world.....

So, I'd like to take a moment to ask all of you, my lovely readers to do me a favor......You will? aww, that's just so sweet and kind of you.

Please look at Mel's Blog: Debt-Free by 30 and by look at it I mean take the time to read her message to you........


"There have been ‘two’ things I can absolutely count on every year and this has been since birth. On both my birthday and Christmas Eve, I am given a small, white envelope with my name on the front, the handwriting familiar and the contents guaranteed. This year was the 58th time I opened that gift, given to me by my Grandpa Charles and Grandma Beryl Elmore. My Gram has carried on the tradition since my Grandpa’s passing. Inside the card, signed and dated in the same handwriting, crisp as if just off the press, a $2 bill." - Melanie Hogan

Continue over to Her Blog to read more. Oh and.....She is selling lovely prints on her blog for just 2 bucks, yes you read correctly 2 bucks!

What are you waiting for? Go read, go look, go buy!!!


Jul 23, 2009

Poetry Night...


It's Poetry night again here in Grants Pass:

John Eyler host poetry night at the Dancing Otter every Thursday night from 7-9.

John has also created a site called Rogue and Poet with the desire to showcase local artists, galleries, musicians, authors, crafters and even a few photographers. (Thanks John)

Click here to view the write up that the Daily Courier printed last Thursday about poetry night. You can also view this video footage from the Dancing Otter's poetry night on July 9.

I would like to encourage you to stop by just to listen and grab a cup of their amazing Zimbabwean Coffee or better yet bring some of your original pieces to read aloud!!!

Jul 8, 2009

Cancer



Cancer has unfortunately been in my life and from a very young age I've watched it plague many of my closest loved ones.

It changes you.

You learn what's really important, you learn to say "I love you" more, you learn to let go of hurtful things. You learn to cherish moments, to make hugs last a little longer. You learn that poems don't always rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. You learn that life is full of unanswered questions. You learn about hope and courage. You learn about the beauty of peace.

Please join me in praying for my dear friend Robyn. Robyn is a vibrant woman of God, she is gracious, giving and loving beyond anything I can express. She is a wife, mother, daughter, sister and an incredible friend.

In the devastation of the doctors recent predictions, Robyn still shines like like a bright beacon on a hill. She amazes me more and more every day.